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Sony NEX-5N

 
Sony Alpha NEX-5N front
 
Portability
89
Imaging
56
Features
69
Overall
61

Sony NEX-5N overview

Sony NEX-5N is Sony's Entry-Level Mirrorless camera first launched on October of 2011. The camera features a 16MP, CMOS APS-C sized sensor and has a peak resolution of 4912 x 3264.

Sony introduced this camera to upgrade the previous Sony NEX-5 (Read Full Comparison) & afterwards brought out the updated Sony NEX-5R (Read Full Comparison) in an effort to upgrade this model.

The NEX-5N is scored #60 out of 117 in Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras & all around #304 out of 1465 for cameras in our collection. You can check out our Advanced camera filter to get camera ratings based on your personal requirements.

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The following is a diagram of specific criteria used in the scoring system.

Sony NEX-5N family

The Sony NEX-5N has a history of related cameras. Below, you can check out all earlier and new models as well as key features.

ModelVisualizeResolutionSensor SizeMax fpsReleased
Sony-Alpha-NEX-5T front thumbnailSony NEX-5T
NEX-5N vs NEX-5T
16MPAPS-C10.0 fps2013
Sony-Alpha-NEX-6 front thumbnailSony NEX-6
NEX-5N vs NEX-6
16MPAPS-C10.0 fps2013
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Sony-Alpha-NEX-3N front thumbnailSony NEX-3N
NEX-5N vs NEX-3N
16MPAPS-C4.0 fps2013
Sony-Alpha-NEX-5R front thumbnailSony NEX-5R
NEX-5N vs NEX-5R
16MPAPS-C10.0 fps2012
Sony-Alpha-NEX-F3 front thumbnailSony NEX-F3
NEX-5N vs NEX-F3
16MPAPS-C6.0 fps2012
Sony-Alpha-NEX-7 front thumbnailSony NEX-7
NEX-5N vs NEX-7
24MPAPS-C10.0 fps2011
Photography Glossary
Sony-Alpha-NEX-5N front thumbnailSony NEX-5N16MPAPS-C10.0 fps2011
Sony-Alpha-NEX-C3 front thumbnailSony NEX-C3
NEX-5N vs NEX-C3
16MPAPS-C6.0 fps2011
Sony-Alpha-NEX-5 front thumbnailSony NEX-5
NEX-5N vs NEX-5
14MPAPS-C7.0 fps2010
Sony-Alpha-NEX-3 front thumbnailSony NEX-3
NEX-5N vs NEX-3
14MPAPS-C7.0 fps2010

Sony NEX-5N Pros and Cons

Below is a shortlist of good and bad points of the Sony NEX-5N based on criterias which are usually seen as essential in a camera.

above average high ISO (25,600)
above average min ISO (100)
better than average battery power (460 shots)
comes with face detection focus
comes with touch to focus
does have HDMI socket
exports RAW files
good sensor size (APS-C)
great video quality (1920 x 1080 pxls)
has touchscreen
high resolution screen (920 k dots)
MP count good (16 megapixels)
screen size is good (3")
screen tilts up and down
switch lenses (Sony E mount)
you can focus manually
doesn't have a selfie friendly display
has no phase detect auto focus
lack of image stabilization
missing external mic socket
missing headphone socket
missing Time Lapse recording
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Sony NEX-5N Sensor specifications

The Sony NEX-5N features the Bionz chip. The size of the sensor on the Sony NEX-5N is 23.4mm x 15.6mm (APS-C). The 365 mm² sensor has the capability to resolve 4912 x 3264 pixels and aspect ratios of 3:2 and 16:9.

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The CMOS sensor has 16 megapixels and includes a native ISO range of 100 to 25600. RAW files are supported therefore the user has wider room to maneuver in post.

The image underneath displays the NEX-5N's sensor dimensions in comparison to other common sizes. The NEX-5N sensor has a crop factor of 1.5 and is displayed in green.

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To get a sense of various aspect ratios, you can refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Sony NEX-5N dimensions

Sony NEX-5N weighs about 0.59 lb (269 gr or 9.49 oz) & has outer dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5"). The weight of general Entry-Level Mirrorless camera is 329 gr and the Sony NEX-5N is lighter when compared to other rivals.

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Down below is a image of the Sony NEX-5N next to a soft drink so you're able to get a sense of its scale.

Sony Alpha NEX-5N dimensions scale

The top view just below will show the button arrangement on the NEX-5N.

Sony Alpha NEX-5N topview buttons dials

Sony NEX-5N Lens specifications

The NEX-5N fits the Sony E mount and has 170 lenses available. Below is a small number of the lenses we have in our collection which will work with the NEX-5N.

ModelVisualizeFocal LengthApertureStabilizedWeight
Sony-FE-100-400mm-F4.5-5.6-GM-OSS lensSony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS100-400mmf/4.5-5.6 1395g
Sony-FE-35mm-F1.8 lensSony FE 35mm F1.835mmf/1.8280g
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Sigma-14-24mm-F2.8-DG-DN-Art-Sony-FE lensSigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN Art14-24mmf/2.8795g
Sony-FE-40mm-F2.5-G lensSony FE 40mm F2.5 G40mmf/2.5 173g
Tamron-18-200mm-F3.5-6.3-Di-III-VC-Sony-E-NEX lensTamron 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 Di III VC18-200mmf/3.5-6.3 460g
Sigma-35mm-F2-DG-DN-E-Mount lensSigma 35mm F2 DG DN35mmf/2.0 325g
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Sigma-150-600mm-F5-6.3-DG-DN-OS-S-Sony-FE-Mount lensSigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS S150-600mmf/5-6.3 2100g
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Sony NEX-5N Connectivity

The NEX-5N has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Cameras that consist of NFC or Bluetooth compatibility can easily be controlled wirelessly by smartphones. You can send photos and sometimes change settings without the hassle of connecting straight to the camera.

Many applications even allow a Liveview and press the shutter if you aren't near the camera. If the camera features a HDMI port, it could be connected to an external screen. The majority of cameras enable you to recharge the battery using the USB socket.

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Sony NEX-5N Video specifications

The highest video quality on the Sony NEX-5N is 1920 x 1080 and you can shoot in AVCHD format. 1080p quality will provide a decent balance in quality versus file sizes but FULL HD is not going to give you any room to crop. The camera doesn't include a microphone or headphone jack which means that you have got little control over the audio. It is perhaps best to order an alternative model if you want decent audio for your video clips.

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Sony NEX-5N Weather Sealing

There is no weather sealing in the Sony NEX-5N so you need to be cautious in wet and dusty conditions.

Sony NEX-5N Display and Viewfinder

The Sony NEX-5N features a 3" tilting display supporting a resolution of 920k dots.

Moreover the display is touch friendly which means you are able to switch focus points as well as adjust settings by using your fingers.

Sony Alpha NEX-5N screen and viewfinder Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The ViewFinder details for Sony NEX-5N are as follows:

  • ViewFinder Electronic (optional)

Viewfinders are pretty useful in sunny outdoor conditions which can make the camera display washed out and hard to see.

Sony NEX-5N Shutter specifications

Sony NEX-5N continuous shooting rate is 10.0 frames per second. The max shutter speed is 1/4000 seconds.

Photography Glossary

Sony NEX-5N Flash and Hot shoe specifications

Sony NEX-5N features external flash ability but with missing integrated flash. The max flash sync is 1/160 seconds.

Sony NEX-5N Autofocusing specifications

Sony NEX-5N features just Contrast Detect Autofocus & is missing Phase Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection focusing is a lot more faster and exact when compared to Contrast Detect focusing. The camera features Face detect making it helpful for taking photos of people.

The Sensor features 25 focus points to choose from. Sony NEX-5N has tap to focus. You can use your fingers to shift focus points. Sony NEX-5N has the ability to use manual focus if required in low light or you require more accurate focus control.

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Sony NEX-5N Battery life

The battery power (NPFW50) in the Sony NEX-5N is built to last for 460 shutters based on the CIPA benchmarks making it higher than the usual in comparison to its class. The typical Entry-Level Mirrorless camera battery life is 343. Fujifilm X-S20 has got the highest (750) battery life in this range of cameras.

Below is a listing of Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras with the highest battery life:

Sony NEX-5N for varying categories of photography

The following bar chart displays a analysis of the Sony NEX-5N for varying categories of photography. To learn more, visit the specific paragraph underneath.

Sony NEX-5N Portrait photography details

The Sony NEX-5N receives a points total of 73 which is above average, meaning that it is a fine pick for portrait photography. Photographing portrait images favors heavily to sensor resolution, support for RAW files along with the potential to utilize external flash.

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you can focus manually
decent MP (16MP)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
has face detection focusing
exports RAW files

Sony NEX-5N Street photography highlights

Getting a wonderful points total of 80, the Sony NEX-5N is a brilliant pick for street photography. A very good street photography camera comes with a fine balance of image quality and portability.

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has a tilting screen
sensor size is good (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
boasts touch focus
great high ISO (25,600)
does not have image stabilization

Sony NEX-5N Sports photography factors

A modest sports photography score of 58 indicates the Sony NEX-5N is reasonably suited for shooting sports. A camera really should have good tracking plus fast shutter speeds for sports photography.

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megapixel count decent (16 megapixels)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
good battery life (460 per charge)
no image stabilization
lack of phase detect auto focus

Travel photography with Sony NEX-5N

Portability is super crucial when buying a camera for travel. In general, the Sony NEX-5N gets a nice 70 as a travel camera which is a respectable option for your trips.

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better than average battery life (460 per charge)
includes touch to focus
good resolution (16MP)
doesn't have Time Lapse mode
display isn't selfie friendly

Sony NEX-5N Landscape photography factors

For anyone who is planning to purchase a digital camera for landscape photography, the most critical factor will no doubt be image quality. The Sony NEX-5N and it's above average grade of 71 as a landscape camera is a respectable pick within the current marketplace.

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you can focus manually
change lenses (Sony E mount)
nice screen size (3")
decent megapixels (16MP)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
above average high ISO (25,600)
exports RAW files
great battery power (460 CIPA)
does not have image stabilization
does not have Time Lapse recording

Sony NEX-5N Vlogging information

A vlogging camera ought to offer a articulating display screen, microphone input and ideally IBIS. Considering all the details, the Sony NEX-5N is simply not good for vlogging as it gets a lousy score of 33.

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touch screen
has face detection focus
video res high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
doesn't have a selfie friendly display
lack of image stabilization
no external microphone socket

Sony NEX-5N Alternatives

If you are trying to find alternatives to the NEX-5N, below is a list of the highest rated cameras which fall in to the family of Entry-Level Mirrorless.

The line graph underneath will give you a summary of the NEX-5N compared to it's top scored competitors suggested earlier.

These are some more cameras you might have a look at as alternate options. To review a thorough comparison, simply click the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Brand
Sony
Model
Sony Alpha NEX-5N
Category
Entry-Level Mirrorless
Released
2011-10-03
Physical type
Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CMOS
Powered by
Bionz
Sensor size
APS-C
Sensor dimensions
23.4 x 15.6mm
Sensor area
365.0mm²
Sensor resolution
16 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
3:2 and 16:9
Highest resolution
4912 x 3264
RAW files
Highest native ISO
25600
Lowest native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Touch focus
Continuous AF
AF single
Tracking AF
Selective AF
AF center weighted
AF multi area
AF live view
Face detect focusing
Contract detect focusing
Phase detect focusing
Number of focus points
25
Lens
Lens mounting type
Sony E
Number of lenses
121
Crop factor
1.5
Screen
Display type
Tilting
Display diagonal
3"
Resolution of display
920k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Display technology
Tilt Up 80°, Down 45° TFT LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
Electronic (optional)
DXO scores
DXO All around score
77
DXO Color Depth score
23.6
DXO Dynamic range score
12.7
DXO Low light score
1079
Features
Lowest shutter speed
30 secs
Highest shutter speed
1/4000 secs
Continuous shooting rate
10.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation
Yes
Change WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range
12.00 m
Flash settings
Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in
External flash
AEB
White balance bracketing
Highest flash synchronize
1/160 secs
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Highest video resolution
1920x1080
Video file format
AVCHD
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless
Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
269 grams (0.59 lbs)
Dimensions
111 x 59 x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5")
Other
Battery life
460 shots
Battery type
Battery Pack
Battery model
NPFW50
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10sec (3 images))
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage
SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo
Card slots
One
Price at launch
$550